The son of John and Mary Breakey, John Denis Breakey scored nine victories as a Sopwith Camel pilot with 203 Squadron in 1918. In October 1945, Air Vice-Marshal Breakey was posted to Kuala Lumpur, Malaya as Air Officer Commanding Air Headquarters; in 1947, he was appointed Air Officer in charge of Administration, Bomber Command; and in 1950, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding, No. 21 Group, Flying Training Command.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lieut. (A./Capt.) John Denis Breakey. (FRANCE)
This officer has flown about 500 hours on active service. He has carried out 170 special missions, and has bombed and attacked enemy troops, transport, &c., from low altitudes with great success, causing serious damage. Capt. Breakey has shown marked ability and skill as a flight leader, and by his fine spirit of determination and disregard of personal danger sets a fine example to other pilots.